Tequila, Agave & Mezcal

Distilled in late 2008 with two-thirds of the distillate made in a double-copper column still with plates removed(this creates a lower distillation proof.  The additional third was created with an alembic pot still by legendary Master Distiller and Tequilero Enrique Fonseca

Blend of  30% distilled volume aged in American white oak barrels previously used for California red wine / 70% distilled volume aged in dark French oak barrels

The barrels were laid to rest for 11 years in a very cool and dry environment of a subterranean barrel room with the upper-most portion of the room opened to allow for soft air circulation.

An age-old tradition from mezcaleros, Jamón Ibérico is typically produced in small batches for personal consumption as a ceremonial and festive mezcal, taking place at year-end. First, the agave is crushed, baked in earthen-oven pits, fermented and then distilled in a copper pot still. Organic cooked and seasoned pork shoulder with locally sourced aromatic herbs, spices, and seasonal fruits are added into the second and final distillation.

The Jamón Ibérico expresses a citrus-forward nose of lime and grapefruit with a tropical aroma of banana. A viscous mouthfeel coats the palate with savory flavors, complemented by a slight floral note of hibiscus flower.

Espadín
The Espadín agave, known as the genetic Mother of the Blue Weber Agave, is used to produce tequila, and is also the predominant agave used in mezcal production. Unique in itself, the characteristics of this agave showcase the aromas of wet earth, a rich smokiness on the mid-palate, and a finish reminiscent of wild flowers.

Barril
This thick-foliaged, wild agave, often used as fencing to divide land in Oaxaca, intensifies the complexity of this mezcal. As citrus and floral notes arise, hints of green peppers compliment the nose. The palate is a delightful balance of citrus and creamy banana.

Mexicano
The Mexicano agave thrives in the moist environment of lower elevations. This wild agave can grow quite large and is usually harvested when close to ten years of age. The concentration of sugar in the fully mature agave produces an extremely powerful mezcal. The palate is distinctively herbaceous and earthy with a long lasting finish in the mouth.

Tears of Llorona begins with the fine edge of high altitude, slow growth agaves from Jalisco, then layers in the rich complexities of five years in a sequence of very distinct barrels - scotch, sherry & cognac. The initial impression is one of exceptional smoothness, blending vanilla, coffee, chocolate with the distinct but soft agave presence. This is followed by delicate citrus and smoky notes and cinnamon. A velvet gentle combination of sophistication and layered flavor notes.

This is the first limited edition of the Clase Azul Master Artisans collection. 

This creation is the epitome of our artisanal tradition since it combines the experience of our Master Distiller, Viridiana Tinoco, with the virtuosity of Ángel Santos, one of the most influential Mexican artisans of our time.

The striking artwork on the handcrafted decanter was inspired by the beauty of long-plumed pheasants. These birds symbolize light, prosperity, the sun, and wealth in various cultures. The blue color used for these illustrations represents the sky, air, and water. 

The decanter also portrays five and six-petalled flowers–symbols that are traditionally used in artisanal clay techniques in Tonalá, a small town in Jalisco renowned as the “cradle of ceramics” in Mexico.

Our Master Distiller, Viridiana Tinoco, created the longest aged blend in Clase Azul’s history.

This extraordinary 8-year-old extra añejo tequila began its journey in casks previously used for American whiskey, where it was aged for 64 months. For the following 41 months of aging the tequila was distributed into three different types of sherry casks: amontillado, oloroso, and pedro ximénez, resulting in a blend with incomparable complexity.